State Pension - an introduction

The State Pension is a regular payment people can claim when they get to State Pension age. Most people build up some State Pension, but the amount they get varies. It's worth understanding how you build up State Pension and how much income it will give you in later life.

The State Pension as part of your retirement plan

Once you get your State Pension, it gives you a regular income for the rest of your life. It can give you a reliable foundation for your income in retirement, although it might not be enough to support the lifestyle you want. So you may decide you want to save for yourself on top of what the State provides.

If you want to make a plan for your retirement, it's worth knowing what sort of State Pension you are building up.

Here are some of the main questions you might be asking about your State Pension. They should help you get started in planning for the future.

If you want to find out more, or start making a plan, you'll find some useful links at the bottom of the page.

How much is my State Pension?

The State Pension is made up of two parts, the basic State Pension and the additional State Pension. Different people get different amounts of each.

The amount of State Pension you get depends how many qualifying years of National Insurance you have built up. You build up qualifying years by paying National Insurance contributions, or you may get National Insurance credited to you by the government.

In 2012-2013, a single person can get up to £107.45 a week basic State Pension, though some people get less than this. Many people get more than this amount, because they also get an additional State Pension.

How your State Pension is worked out

When will you be able to get the State Pension?

You can claim your State Pension once you reach your State Pension age. You do not have to claim it straight away. If you put off getting it you may be able to increase the amount you get.

Four months before you reach State Pension age, The Pension Service will write to you. The letter will tell you if you need to claim your State Pension. If you are getting certain social security benefits you may not need to claim.

Find out what you need to do if you haven’t been contacted when you’re three months from your State Pension age. See ‘Claiming the basic State Pension’ for more information on claiming your State Pension.

Claiming the basic State Pension

What happens when you can't pay National Insurance?

Sometimes you may not be able to pay National Insurance, for example if you are ill or unemployed. In many cases, the government makes your contribution for you by giving you credits.

You may also get credits if you are getting Child Benefit or caring for someone who is sick or disabled. You may also get other types of National Insurance credits.

Getting credits towards your State Pension

What will your State Pension be worth when you retire?

The State Pension amounts you read about usually tell you what people get today. If you live in the UK or in certain other countries, the State Pension normally increases each year.